Meet The Women Behind Michelle Obama’s Most Iconic Hairstyles

As Michelle Obama opens up about her evolution of style and self-expression in her forthcoming book, “The Look,” she invites readers behind the scenes of some of her most iconic fashion and beauty moments.

At the heart of that journey are two trusted voices: longtime hairstylists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway — the women behind the former First Lady’s signature looks, from polished White House blowouts to the braid-forward styles that continue to spark global conversation and inspire women everywhere.

For Yene, this moment is about more than hair — it’s about heritage, confidence, and redefining what power looks like. A proud Ethiopian-American entrepreneur and champion of textured-hair artistry, she has dedicated her career to empowering women to embrace authenticity, whether they’re seated in her salon chair or stepping onto the world stage. Njeri, equally committed to honoring identity through craft, brings a perspective rooted in storytelling, cultural pride, and a deep understanding of how beauty can shape history.

Together, Yene and Njeri offer a rare inside look at the artistry, intention, and emotional depth behind the styles we’ve come to recognize — and why something as intimate as hair can become a statement of strength, freedom, and self-defined power.

Her Agenda spoke with both women about The Look, working alongside a global icon, and how they’re shaping conversations around beauty and representation that reach far beyond the chair.

Her Agenda:How did you both get your start in hair? Has hair always been a passion?

Njeri: It started with me going to the hair salon with my mother every other weekend. It started as early as elementary school, and I remember just being fascinated by the art of it all. I was in community college, not by choice, it was more so having Jamaican parents, and education is key. However halfway through it I decided it wasn’t for me and hair was a hobby I enjoyed it, so I enrolled into cosmetology school.

Yene: We have a lot of similarities. I went to cosmetology school at the age of 16. My fascinations with hair probably grew at a very early age. And what drew me in was on Sunday mornings my mother used to put hot rollers in her hair and go into the shower. It was super fascinating to me how it all worked out. I’m like wow you’re putting all these things in your head and all of a sudden you have this bounce; and that’s where the interest first sparked.

Her Agenda:  What does it mean to both of you to be a part of the former First Lady’s team?

Yene: She is no different than any other person that is trying to look and feel their best. That interpersonal relationship – being there to share good, bad, highs and lows with somebody – is what this industry is about. So for me having that privilege to understand that someone of that stature is just like every single one of us, and we always idolize people in that position, but to realize that they’re human beings, that’s the feel good that they’re able to pour back into you the same way that you pour into them, and it’s mutual. 

Njeri: I agree, I echo everything Yene is saying, but when people ask ‘What is she like?’ I’m like ‘What you see is what you get.’ [She’s a] real authentic, black woman, who is out here trying to make a mark on the world, and is trying to survive. While also spreading light and wisdom throughout, she’s also trying to show up as her best everyday.

Her Agenda: How long have both of you been with Michelle Obama?

Yene: I started in 2009 with the family. My primary focus was Ms. Robinson (Michelle’s mother) and the girls (Malia and Sasha). And then I stood in as a backup for Johnny Wright, who was her primary hair stylist throughout the White House years. And then I started as her colorist in 2012. So we’ve been with her for over [a] decade.

Njeri: I started in 2010, brought in by Yene, to work under Johnny Wright as his second assistant. And I was also more so helping with the girls along with Yene. I came out of the shadows in 2022 for “The Light We Carry” tour when she debuted her braids. 

Her Agenda: What has it been like working with Michelle Obama, creating looks, and being featured in her Look book?

Yene: The book was comprised in a way of storytelling. The book was [written] to be nostalgic and to share and highlight the processes and explain her time starting prior to the White House, going into the White House, and her post life. For me it was more about sharing my story as it relates to working with her, and talking about how we connected, how we began working with one another. Then there’s the part of our work being featured because we’re a part of these historical moments.

Njeri: You said it all. Honestly we’ve been here, we’ve been grinding. We’ve been doing what it is that we love to do. Not necessarily looking for the recognition, yes it’s great, I appreciate it all; but we show up and work hard, not looking for clout. It is great to be acknowledged now after so many years, and that’s a testament to our loyalty and our dedication and hard work.

Her Agenda: When it comes to hair, do you all have a motto?

Yene: “Good hair is healthy hair.”

Njeri: That part! You took the words out of my mouth!